Rep. Shane Mekeland

Maddy summaryHF 1066 increases annual funding for soil and water conservation districts in Minnesota. It amends state law to raise the annual appropriation from $15 million (for 2023-2024) to $20 million starting in 2025, paid from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue. This funding directly supports local soil and water conservation districts that provide technical assistance and cost-share programs for landowners. The bill takes effect for payments made in 2025 and subsequent years.

Maddy summaryHF 1 would repeal the provision allowing undocumented adults to enroll in MinnesotaCare, ending their current eligibility for this state health coverage program. The bill directly affects undocumented adults in Minnesota who currently receive health coverage through MinnesotaCare. Its key mechanism is removing the specific language that permits this coverage, effectively ending their access to the program. This is a repeal of an existing policy, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in Minnesota, but only if conducted by federally recognized Indian tribes under existing gaming compacts or by state-licensed horse racing tracks. It would require a 20% tax on wagers (minus winnings) and mandate that revenues be split equally to fund substance use disorder programs, local charitable organizations supported by gambling donations, horse racing purses, and the state general fund. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election. If passed, it would establish the first legal framework for sports betting in Minnesota under these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3284 repeals Minnesota's 2017 law implementing REAL ID requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards. This bill removes state-level rules that previously required Minnesotans to obtain licenses meeting federal identification standards (like those needed for air travel). It directly affects residents who currently hold or apply for noncompliant licenses, as the repeal will eliminate the need to meet federal standards for state-issued IDs. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the state to prepare replacement legislation by February 2026 to update related statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 3286 establishes a state grant program to help Minnesota school districts purchase propane-powered school buses. It directly affects school districts and transportation providers, with priority given to "prioritized school districts" (those with high poverty rates, rural locations, or tribal funding). Grants cover up to 50% of bus costs for prioritized districts and 25% for others, plus up to 50% of new propane storage equipment costs. The bill requires annual reports to the legislature on grant allocations and outcomes, with applications submitted twice yearly through a competitive process.

Maddy summaryHF 3151 prohibits health care providers in Minnesota from offering gender-affirming medical care (like hormone therapy or puberty blockers) or certain counseling to minors under 18. It directly affects minors seeking such care, their health care providers, and public health programs that could fund this care. Exceptions include treatment for precocious puberty or intersex conditions when medically necessary, and mental health counseling that doesn't affirm a gender identity differing from biological sex. Violations carry severe penalties, including $500,000 fines per violation, license revocation, up to 10 years in prison, and civil lawsuits by guardians. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2230 requires all Minnesota pharmacies to offer ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets for human use without a prescription. This bill directly affects every registered pharmacy in Minnesota by mandating the availability of these specific medications as over-the-counter drugs. The key provision amends Minnesota law to add a new requirement (Section 151.411) overriding existing restrictions, making it unlawful for pharmacies to refuse to sell these drugs without a prescription. The bill defines "over-the-counter drug" to include these medications, changing current pharmacy practice standards. This is a direct policy change to alter prescription requirements for two specific drugs.

Maddy summaryHF 2613 allows irrigators with water-use permits to transfer unused water gallons to other permit holders using the same water source, with the commissioner verifying compliance. It permits using "excess water" (unused gallons from the prior year) during declared drought conditions (D3/D4 on the U.S. Drought Monitor), provided use remains sustainable. The bill also adds 27,154 gallons per acre for irrigation of cover crops when needed, subject to sustainability checks by the commissioner. These provisions directly affect Minnesota irrigators managing groundwater or surface water permits.

Maddy summaryHF 3152 prohibits healthcare providers in Minnesota from administering gene-based vaccines, defined as those using mRNA, modified mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, or DNA technology. The bill directly affects medical professionals and facilities that administer such vaccines within the state. Violations carry a misdemeanor penalty of $500 per incident, and licensing boards must review licenses of violators. The law aims to ban the use of these specific vaccine technologies through a statutory prohibition and financial penalty.

Maddy summaryHF 1931 would give Minnesota's Attorney General the authority to enforce state laws governing common interest communities, such as homeowners associations and condominiums. The bill adds a new section to state law stating the Attorney General can investigate and prosecute violations of these community rules under existing enforcement powers. This change would take effect on January 1, 2026, and directly impacts how community governance laws are enforced across Minnesota.